Staff Blog: Hot-Weather Gear Favorites

My new favorite training shoes that I have been doing all of my running in as of late. They have a 4mm heel-toe drop, encouraging a forefoot strike, and are light and airy; even after a 90-minute run on asphalt in the sun my feet feel nice and cool.

I have a permanent racer-back tan line on my back, and even with really tan shoulders I get burnt without sunscreen on. To make sure I reach my back when there’s no one around to rub it in, the continuous aerosol cans of sport sunscreen are the best. Coppertone makes a great product, but whichever you choose, just make sure it is a sport version so it doesn’t sweat off. Also, make sure it's a continuous aerosol spray; some other spray sunscreens simply spray on regular, goopy sunscreen and you have to rub it in.

Even with light, breathable shoes, thin socks that wick away moisture are a must to ward off blisters and keep feet cool. These socks stay up on my heel and reduce sock tan lines as much as possible. Just remember to wash them before your first use. www.roadrunnersports.com

I suppose if you aren’t from the Bay Area the Giants might not be your team, but whatever your team, wearing a visor when the sun is out is key. Even though running is a sport that keeps us outside for hours on end sometimes, no one should be getting sunburnt. I particularly like my Giants visor because it has an adjustable head strap. I’ve had problems with the elastic straps in the past, as after a few months of the sun beating on them they begin to stretch out.

Lately, Costco has been making some spot-on Lululemon knock-offs. I love Lululemon’s Cool Racerback, but I love the version from Costco even more at 1/3 the price. I own about 10 of them in different colors.

Crops are not even an option when temps rise. With two front pockets and a back zippered pocket large enough to hold a gel, keys and even a phone, these are my favorite shorts of all time. Plus, they’re short, but not too short, so you get a great tan. Guys, I’ve heard the men’s version are awesome as well. www.lululemon.com

It’s a toasty 89 degrees in San Diego right now (and rising!) and because I once again slept in rather than went running before work I was forced to go on a lunch run in the heat of the day. If I really wanted to push myself out the door in the morning, I’d make my punishment for snoozing be wearing black sweats and no sunscreen, but I actually like running in the heat of the day—that is, as long as I’m wearing all my favorite hot-weather gear. Here are my go-to pieces for hot weather.